Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
INTERNATIONAL WORLD LANGUAGES and LITERATURES RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM, Denizli, Türkiye, 1 - 03 Haziran 2022, ss.149
Language learning is a complex process that is affected by several factors. One of these factors
is motivation, which is a key element for initiating and sustaining the learning process. Among
the several theories of motivation, L2 Motivational Self System theory by Dörnyei (2005, 2009)
is the most recent one that received much attention in the field of individual learner differences.
Motivational self is considered as a construct with three subcomponents: the ideal L2 self(L2-
specific desired image of one’s future self), the ought-to L2 self (L2 attributes one thinks one
ought to possess), and finally L2 learning experience (context dependent motives related to
learners’ immediate environment). These possible selves formed by students appear to affect
their language learning motivation. This recent conceptualization of motivation by the L2
Motivational Self System theory has certainly grabbed attention in L2 motivation research.
However, on learning a third language, learners’ motivational self-system is an untapped area
of focus which leads to inadequate knowledge about their motivation for learning a third
language. To this end, this study aims to investigate the motivational self system profiles of a
group of EFL learners studying German, French or Russian a third language, taking their
gender, class and the type of third language studied into account. The sample of the study
consists of second, third and fourth year students studying at the Department of English
Language and Literature at a state university in Turkey in the spring semester of 2021-2022. To
collect the quantitative data, the English version of L2 Motivational Self System Questionnaire
(Taguchi et al., 2009) will be used and the data will be analyzed by SPSS software using
descriptive and inferential statistics. The results will be discussed in relation to motivation
enhancement and teaching interventions. The implications of the study for the language learners
as well as the language instructors will be explained by referencing to the study results and
literature.
Keywords: L2 motivational self-system, L3 motivation, ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, third
language learning